"Too many M's" (toomanyms)
01/26/2015 at 09:36 • Filed to: None
7
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"Too many M's" (toomanyms)
01/26/2015 at 09:36 • Filed to: None | 7
| 19 |
After the posts on Torque Affair's article, I thought I'd shed some light on this subject.
This article was written in 2010, it goes without saying all "F-chassis" cars in BMWs current lineup also have the same battery technology. So pretty much every new model since the Bangle-butt E65 7-series.
The electrical system in late-model BMWs is so sophisticated that it tailors charging as closely as possible to both the type and age of the battery. There's a computer that controls the alternator. When you replace a battery, this computer really needs to know if you've replaced the battery or updated the vehicle from a conventional Lead Acid battery to an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) type; it charges the AGM differently than a traditional battery.
This process of updating the alternator-control computer is called Battery Registration. Ignoring the registration process after replacing a battery won't necessarily trigger a Diagnostic Trouble Code or Malfunction Indicator Lamp ('Check Engine' or 'Service Engine Soon' light). However, be warned that skipping the battery registration process can dramatically shorten the life of a battery in these vehicles and- worse yet- damage components within the entire electrical system.
Models that require battery registration:
2002 and newer 7-series E65/66 chassis
2003 and newer 6-series E63/54 chassis
2004 and newer 5-series E60/61 chassis
2006 and newer 3-series E90 E91 E92 AND E93 CHASSIS
2007 and newer X5 series E70 chassis
2008 and newer X6 series E71 chassis
This Service Function informs the vehicle that the battery has been replaced. It completes the following operations:
- Battery capacity is set to 80
- Current Odometer reading are stored. The odometer readings at which the last seven battery replacements took place
can be read off from the Diagnosis Requests of Control Unit Functions
- Stored battery statistics (current, voltage, battery charge level) are deleted
- Stored temperature statistics are deleted
Absorbent Glass Matt Battery or AGM
At the time this was written (6/2010) most European manufacturers use black case batteries to denote an AGM battery and white clear plastic battery cases denote Lead-Acid. U.S. made replacement batteries do not follow this protocol and case color is notan indicator of battery type.
In contrast to conventional lead-calcium batteries, the sulfuric acid in an AGM battery is not held freely in the battery housing. The sulfuric acid is instead entirely bound into the mats of the glass-fiber fleece. For this reason, no acid can escape if the battery housing is damaged. In addition, the AGM battery is a sealed, airtight unit. This is possible because the gasses are converted back into water by the permeability of the separators.
Construction
AGM batteries differ from conventional lead-calcium batteries in the following points:
- Larger plates which allow a power density some 25 greater
- Glass-fiber-fleece separators which enable a cycle consistency up to 3x greater improving cold-starting ability, current consumption and service life
- Airtight housing with pressure relief valve
- Inspection plugs sealed and cannot be opened
- Acid bound in glass-fiber fleece
How AGM Batteries Work
AGM batteries differ from conventional lead-calcium batteries in their environmental compatibility and their retention of gases during charging. When a vehicle battery is charged, the electrolysis process emits the gases oxygen and hydrogen. In a conventional lead-calcium battery, these two gases are released into the atmosphere. In an AGM battery, the two gases are converted back into water: The oxygen created at the positive electrode during charging moves through the permeable glass-fiber fleece to the negative electrode, where it reacts with the hydrogen ions that are brought in with the electrolyte, to create water (oxygen cycle). In this manner, the gases, and thus the electrolyte, is not lost. Only when the gas production is excessive, that is when too much pressure is generated (20 to 200 mbar), does the pressure-relief valve open, thereby allowing gas to escape while also preventing entry of atmospheric oxygen. Because the pressure in the battery is regulated by a valve, the AGM battery is also known as the VRLA battery (valve regulated lead acid).
Battery Replacement
An AGM battery, when installed as original equipment, must always be replaced with an AGM battery. In special cases, where a customer's driving profile (e.g. short distance driving), results in a discharged battery, the AGM battery is a recommended replacement.
Don't fret though, there are budget versions of the battery so you don't have to give all your money to the dealership. Duralast (Platinum H6-AGM) makes an AGM battery that is usually half the cost on the OEM BMW part.
Can you do it yourself?
There are many OBD-II programming tools on the market and a few have the capability to register batteries to the new cars. These programs are usually expensive although more options are coming to the market every day to make this problem easier to deal with.
Borrowed from: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
And: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
> Too many M's
01/26/2015 at 09:41 |
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My father did not follow this advice when he replaced his. I tried to warn him..
Brian Silvestro
> Too many M's
01/26/2015 at 09:42 |
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only one question
why
thebigbossyboss
> Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
01/26/2015 at 09:42 |
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Then what happened? Fiery death?
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Too many M's
> Brian Silvestro
01/26/2015 at 09:43 |
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Bee-em-dubya tax.
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Too many M's
> thebigbossyboss
01/26/2015 at 09:44 |
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Nasty grams from zee BMW computer.
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Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
> thebigbossyboss
01/26/2015 at 09:46 |
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Nothing yet. He said he didn't need to register the new battery (which he bought at a BMW specialist shop, mind you) I hope the battery lasts more than 3 years, as he had the factory one from 2006 installed until last winter.
JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> Too many M's
01/26/2015 at 09:48 |
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Why is it that my $65 AC/DC digital quick charger for the LiPO batteries in my radio control airplane and helicopters can determine current charge state, amperage, back current, and cell resistance in order to automatically optimize the charge rate and voltage of cells and packs from 2.7 to 19.2 volts in capacities of 20 to 20,000mAh (I don't remember this spec exactly, but the range is something like that...) without causing the notoriously fragile LiPO packs to have degraded life or catch on fire but BMW can't build a charging system that can figure out how to do the same with notoriously rugged AGM/Lead-Acid automotive batteries unless the dealer calibrates it?
Probably has something to do with optimizing service billing.
spanfucker retire bitch
> Too many M's
01/26/2015 at 09:51 |
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This went from a post about the ridiculousness of BMW, to a very informative article about AGM batteries. I didn't even realize there were other car battery designs out there besides Lead-Acid.
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Too many M's
> spanfucker retire bitch
01/26/2015 at 09:55 |
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It can't all be bad :D
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Too many M's
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
01/26/2015 at 09:55 |
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Don't say it too loud....BMWs fun police will come and crush us.
mazda616
> Too many M's
01/26/2015 at 09:59 |
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Interesting. When I replaced my car's battery, I took the old one out and put the new one in and went on my way. But my car isn't as fun or luxurious (or prestigious) as a BMW. Gotta pay to play, I guess.
Tripper
> Too many M's
01/26/2015 at 10:22 |
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Literally just dropped my E90M3 off to have the battery replaced. What is so crazy about it? The fancy electronics in the fancy car you bought require a fancy battery/registration? You don't say? Not that I'm in love with the idea of spending $400+ for a new battery, it's things like this that really make me miss the E46.
I have seen a few people (on forums) who have used a non BMW battery and claimed no issues, others who claim horror stories, and an unlucky few that have spent close to $700 at a dealer to have the battery replaced. For those reasons I bought the battery from BMW ($375), and the BMW indy shop near me is going to register the battery.
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> Brian Silvestro
01/26/2015 at 10:26 |
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Typically it's cars that have very high loss electrical systems running batteries like this. 40, 50, or even way more total control units on the vehicle. 1000 watt+ sound systems. Higher than normal storage draw at rest. And lots of other reasons. The AGM/VRLA batteries are actually capable of handling that load over the expected life of a battery, 4-10 years usually. With a conventional battery you might be lucky to get two years out of it.
Some manufacturers have even started using Li-ion batteries, at a replacement cost of well over $1000. More of the same benefits, and lighter weight.
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AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
01/26/2015 at 10:29 |
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Because BMW. Mercedes doesn't have a problem with it and they use AGM and Li-ion. Obviously the latter is controlled and monitored differently, but still nothing as ridiculous as BMW.
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Brian Silvestro
> AMGtech - now with more recalls!
01/26/2015 at 10:53 |
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Interesting....thanks for the info!
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Too many M's
> Tripper
01/26/2015 at 11:53 |
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For BMWs specifically I have seen a few fellow get a comparable AGM battery and had it registered without issue. It also makes me appreciate the simpler ways of my E46. My previous E90M had the original battery from 2008 without issues. Interesting tech.
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Tripper
> Too many M's
01/26/2015 at 14:24 |
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I tried to source a battery outside of the dealer, but I couldn't get anyone to confirm the correct one. After half a day or so of looking I decided to just eat the price of a BMW battery. My thinking was "at least I'm not having the dealer install it".
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Too many M's
> Tripper
01/26/2015 at 14:33 |
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Duralast H8-AGM battery is one people commonly use. Sorry this was too late :(
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Tripper
> Too many M's
01/26/2015 at 14:50 |
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That is the model that I was leaning toward, thanks for confirming! However there are 3 different batteries for the E90 M3 dependent on the options that you have, which made it even more difficult for me to comfortably buy a Duralast battery. I also forgot to mention that I'm still under warranty which was probably the deciding factor in purchasing the BMW battery.